Sports Rehab

It doesn’t matter at what athletic level you participate, at some point you will receive a sports injury. Twisted ankles, strained muscles, and lower back pain that result from stress or fatigue normally don’t require a doctor’s visit. More serious injuries like torn ligaments and broken bones will require immediate medical attention and the services of a physical therapist. Physical therapy speeds up the healing process and will help you regain your strength without re-injuring the area.

Concussions are another common sports related injury resulting from a traumatic blow to the head. Most often concussions are sustained while playing football, hockey or soccer, but can also occur even in volleyball or cheering. Concussive blows to the head can cause headaches, dizziness, disorientation or difficulty concentrating, balance issues or visual disturbances. Anyone who suffers a traumatic head injury should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out a concussion. If these symptoms persist, then physical therapy is often recommended.

Common Athletic Injuries

Participating in sports can result in severe trauma or chronic, long-term pain caused by stress on the joints. Either way, the injuries can result in lasting damage. We treat several workout related injuries in the hopes of preventing long-term consequences. We can effectively treat:

Stress Conditions Caused by Repetitive Movements – Pitching a baseball, hitting a tennis ball or swinging a golf club cause repetitive movements that lead to excessive wear and tear on the joints of the wrists, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

Stretched or Torn Ligaments and Tendons – Dramatic movements like twisting, jumping or pivoting can tear or stretch both tendons and ligaments to the point of excessive damage. These injuries often occur in the groin, shoulders, hips, ankles, and knees and are commonly repaired with surgery. After the necessary repairs have been made, physical therapy is often used to strengthen the area and restore proper movement.

Back Strain – One of the most common injuries in sports medicine is back strain. If the strain is severe, treating it at home will not provide sufficient relief. A physical therapist will be able to determine which exercises and treatment options will work best to relieve the pain and discomfort and strengthen the area.

Concussions: Headaches and dizziness following a concussion can be intense and are often related to the trauma sustained not only to the head but to the cervical spine. Visual disturbances and a “feeling of disequilibrium” are also common complaints that interfere with the athlete returning to play. A thorough evaluation by a physical therapist can help determine the origin of these symptoms and the proper intervention to safely and more quickly return the athlete to play.

Rehabilitation Therapy – Severe sports injuries often require immediate surgery to repair the damage. Post-operative rehabilitation is often the key to a faster and more complete recovery. Sports therapies are used to help rehabilitate injuries by using exercises to re-strengthen and enhance the movements used within the athlete’s chosen sport. When casts or braces are used, the extended period of time that the limb is immobilized can cause dramatic muscle loss. Therapy can be effectively used to help the athlete regain their strength much faster and in a way that increases range of motion and improves flexibility.

Preventing Future Injuries – To protect against re-injuring the area or preventing future injuries, the athlete must rebuild their strength and maintain their flexibility. Using your specific sport, your level of personal strength, and an in-depth knowledge of your past injuries, a therapist can help you to regain any ground you may have lost during recovery. They will use exercises and activities that will re-introduce the movements you need to perform to the best of your ability.

Getting Back on Track – Never put off a recovery program. Be proactive and take the steps you need to prevent future injuries. Talk to your therapist and get the help you need so your recovery will go as smoothly as possible. Seeking immediate medical attention and employing a qualified therapist can prevent chronic pain and discomfort in the years to come. Do what you can to stay as healthy and strong as possible, so you don’t get stuck on the bench. Being proactive will prevent injuries and allow you to remain at the top of your game.